Rail

DART starts light rail train tests in Irving

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) successfully completed the first light rail test train into Irving as it completed the five-mile section between Bachman Station and the Irving Convention Center.

The first section of the 14-mile Orange Line opens July 30. The initial tests were for train movements, the overhead electrical system, and vehicle clearances. This is all in advance of the start of integrated testing and safety certification, according to officials.

DART is scheduled to conduct a similar live-wire test of the five-mile Blue Line extension from Downtown Garland Station to Downtown Rowlett Station on April 25. The Blue Line section is scheduled to open December 3, the same day as the second section of the Orange Line from Irving Convention Center Station to Belt Line Station, near DFW Airport.

The order is valued at approximately $120 million, including price escalations based on best faith assessment of assumptions, and is an option contained in a 2010 contract for a maximum of 860 trains signed with SNCF on behalf of the regions.